Boy Suffered From Traumatic Brain Injury After A Bad Accident, Then Met A Dog Who Helped Him Live

Ashley Maisano

By Ashley Maisano

ARS_Blog_DTOP_BelowTitle_300x250

Caleb Howard was just six years old when he was involved in a head-on car accident that left him with a traumatic brain injury as well as broken bones.

He lost his mother, brother and sister in the accident, and the rest of his family was devastated and unsure of how long it would take him to recover, or if he’d even survive at all.

Enter Colonel, a therapy dog that changed Caleb’s life. The journey that Caleb and Colonel have shared together is an amazing one.

Their bond was instant, and Colonel was a huge part in helping Caleb heal. Thanks to Colonel, his recovery was much quicker than anything expected.

After the accident, Caleb was not able to walk or even move. Having Colonel by his side encouraged him to move his arms to pet him. Day by day, Caleb made giant leaps toward his recovery and was eventually walking again.

Colonel not only helped Caleb with his recovery, but he also put a smile back on his face and excitement back into his life.

Fast-forward eight years and Caleb is now doing great! He has had over a dozen surgeries since the accident but he is now attending regular school. His dad says he’s been “a great example of courage to his family and many others.” The best part? He has since gotten a dog of his own named Star!

Growing up, Ashley always had a passion for writing. After receiving her Bachelor's in Journalism from Stony Brook University, she now uses that passion to write about the thing she loves most in this world: animals! When she isn't writing, you can find her curled up on the couch with a kindle in her hands and her Guinea Pigs on her lap.